Wednesday, August 24, 2011

End of a Frustrating Day

I know I'm not the Lone Ranger here. Something tells me that anyone who has done much remodeling knows the feeling that it is sometimes hard, dirty, difficult, frustrating work. It seems we put forth a lot of effort today without much to show for it.

Here's one of the little problems. As we speak Papa Pea is in the crawl space attempting to turn the shut-off valve for the cold water line to the kitchen sink.

He started by disconnecting and removing our reverse osmosis water filtering system in preparation for the new sink to be installed. He also cut out the "floor" board under the sink which was a flimsy thing to begin with fifteen years ago and currently had such a bow in it that it had to go. In getting the board out (which, of course, proved to be not so flimsy when we tried to remove it), apparently water pipes got jiggled and moved enough so that a leak has developed.

He's back up here now and just announced that the water pipes are going to require "major surgery" to be brought back to health. Ugh. I guess we know what he'll be doing tomorrow.

We did get the tile area under the wood stove laid and glued down. With luck, it will be grouted tomorrow.

I had planned on being outside today getting a couple coats of sealer on some of the new cabinet doors, but we had such terrifically strong winds all day that all kinds of debris was being blown off trees and through the air. I would have ended up with a lot of dust, dirt, grit and grime embedded in the polyurethane had I gone ahead and worked on that job. So it's on my list for tomorrow, hoping for more favorable weather conditions.

For me, it's the s-l-o-w-n-e-s-s of this big project, rather than the work itself that is causing my frustration. But I need to remember that there are many days when big changes can be seen as things fall into place with seemingly little effort. Or maybe it's just being able to see the progress that justifies the effort, whatever it may be.

Time to hit the hay. A good night's rest is bound to make for a better day tomorrow.

The tile under the stove looks great! Plumbing is always a nightmare so you kinda have to expect that and then if it goes well be surprised.I hope you get a great rest tonight and lots of visible stuff gets accomplished tomorrow.

Two steps forward, and one step back. It's hell to go through, but my gosh-you guys are making terrific progress. Now go take a big ol' swig of something yummy, go peek in on those scallopy shelves (OMG--SCALLOPY shelves!!!)and chin up. The tile is so purty and this winter is gonna be so cozy and wonderful in that new kitchen. Mmmmmmmm-can you smell the soup simmering?????:)

And here I thought osmosis was a spa in Sonoma ,Cal. ha.ha,ha [ IT IS,BUT I've never been lucky enough to go to a spa resort ] but I know what you mean about plumbing problems--every dang house we have lives had nightmarish problems,but come the end of Oct. or so you will be back in your quilting room ,looking out over a beautiful new space,wondering if you dream' t all this

Plumbing - ick. That's one thing I don't much care for. The tile looks wonderful! I agree that the slowness of the project is far worse than the actual work. It never goes as fast as you think it should, and one issue tends to open up a whole bunch more. Hang in there, MamaPea. We're rootin' for ya!

when it comes to renovating, everything does seem to go slowwwly. same goes for replacing anything broken...still waiting for the dishwasher we ordered to arrive. now going on two weeks past its due date! *sigh*

Sparkless - I gotta give my husband so much credit. He was so down last night with the leaking mess we had. (Had to shut off all the water overnight.) But this morning he says it will be good to get everything in A-l, tip-top shape now so we'll know it's all good. Whadda guy!

Sue - It's good to hear that it looks like we're making progress. It's hard to see when you're in the middle of the muddle. Hope I still remember how to cook when my kitchen is put back together.

Stephanie - Thanks, friend. Keep your fingers crossed!

judy - Ha! I've never been to a spa either! Nor had a professional manicure or pedicure. Boy, you and I need to get with it!

Mama Tea - I know! You can have something all figured out in your head or on paper even, but when you go to the hands-on application/installation, there's always something (or several somethings!) there you have to do first.

APG - So true that it's better to uncover the problems when you're torn apart anyway. What's a little more mess??

dr momi - Thanks! Hope to get a picture of it with grouting up later. Really pleased with it!

Dmarie - Doncha wonder if all these "delays" are really necessary?? I mean did they start making your dishwasher when you ordered it, or what? Even if they did, wouldn't two weeks be enough time to put one together?? Yup, frustration.

Ditto, what Erin said! Plumbing problems make me break out in hives. No matter what you do, one leak leads to another. It's all those little "extra" jobs that make it seem like it's taking forever. However, that being said, your house is going to be totally and completely wonderful when you're done! Sounds like at least one extra pair of hands is on his way!

Love the tile. And it is only going slow for you since you want it done. Watching your progress everyday I am amazed how fast it is going. Look how fast the pantry came together. Your doing alright mama pea!

Susan - Oh, yeah, plumbing problems are a real bugaboo! When we don't have water, I immediately am dying of thirst that only water can quench, I have to go to the bathroom much more frequently than usual, and I really must wash my hands every five minutes!! I was so happy when we turned the water back on a little after four this afternoon that I smiled all the way through the big batch of dishes!

Jane - You think the progress is FAST?? OMG. Now we can't get the new counters and sink in until next week because B is building the 12' long counter the sink goes into and she's not available until then. Mama Pea (that would be Impatient Mama Pea) thinks this feels like a month away! Guess I need an attitude adjustment.

It always seems to take longer when you are on the 'doing' side as opposed to those of us on the 'watching' side, but you two really are getting a lot of progress made. Plumbing is a pain in the butt, but the electric system is my worst nightmare. With plumbing you know a leak when you see it, but when the electric shorts out ... and it bites, and hard!!

There is an end to all this and you are moving towards it at a good pace so don't get too frustrated. Each day is one closer to completion.

About Me

I live with my husband on a small homestead in Northeastern Minnesota. Our daughter (Beyond the Fork in the Road) currently lives in a small cabin in the woods not too far from us.

Our place is located outside a small tourist town and a two and a half hour's drive from the nearest big city. Trips to the city are infrequent, well-planned, and exhausting!

We currently raise chickens and have hives of honey bees. Raising some of our meat and most of our fruits and vegetables is a priority for us; so, along with our birds for meat and eggs, we have fruit trees, berry patches and a huge vegetable garden.

Quilting is my passion, and I could happily spend each day in my quilt studio if I weren't happily spending each day out in the garden. Good thing we have winters up here; Mother Nature helps keep my life balanced.